FIFA has suspended the match between England and Mexico in the 2026 World Cup at halftime

• FIFA has suspended the England–Mexico match in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 after lightning strikes, but the decision was made due to safety concerns.
• According to BBC and AccuWeather, the storm could begin during the match at Estadio Azteca.
• The match was played without a break for 30 minutes after the lightning strikes between eight miles from the stadium.

FIFA did not stop the England–Mexico match in the 2026 World Cup in the 1/8 final, which was scheduled to take place at Estadio Azteca. The meteorological conditions were such that, after the lightning strikes for the players to be able to play, there was a possibility of a storm developing. The meteorological conditions were also such that, after the lightning strikes, there was a possibility of a storm developing. The meteorological conditions were also such that, after the lightning strikes, the match could be postponed. The meteorological conditions were also such that, after the lightning strikes, the match could be postponed.

Earlier media in Mexico reported that the storm could hit the area around the stadium during the match. The material also states that the English national team’s football association had been informed in advance about the possibility of a storm.

According to the material, FIFA’s decision to stop the match came from the BBC and AccuWeather forecasts. According to the BBC, the temperature was about 17C and the chance of storms was 69%, rising to 70% by 7pm. The lightning risk could be as high as 10 miles south of the stadium. AccuWeather, meanwhile, said that the chance of storms was 49% at the start of the match at 8pm local time.

The material also notes that the chance of rain would be higher than 50% at 3pm local time, and by the three-hour mark it would be as high as 80% for a 80,000-seater stadium. There could also be lightning with a risk of more than 80%.

Meanwhile, Estadio Azteca has no roof, which means that the stadium is exposed to the elements: the risk of lightning is about 80%. The material also notes that the tournament’s rules include the possibility of cancel, reschedule or relocate matches in such circumstances.

Earlier media reported about the England–Mexico match at the 2026 World Cup, which is set to start at 9pm BST (4pm ET).

Tags: Sport/Football/Weather